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At 11 years old Nic first got extremly drunk. This was the start to his abuse of drugs throught his teenage years.

“When i was eleven my family went snowboarding up in Tahoe, and a friend and i snuck into the liquor cabinet after dinner…. it scared me, honestly, and i didn’t drink again like that for a long time. instead i started smoking pot. when i was twelve i was smoking pot everyday.”

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In his early adult hood nic tried many different drugs. He grew found if methamphetamines cause crystal meth to be his drug of choice through his addiction.

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Nic was able to become sober then relapses then sober then relapse. though he eventually was able to stay sober for over a year.

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After brutal ending with his girlfriend Nic moves out and relapse from his 18 months of sobriety.

“Ultimately, however, she wouldn’t leave her boyfriend for me and got pregnant with his child. i was crushed. i mean, i just couldn’t handle it. so yesterday i relapsed, driving up the 5, drinking from a bottle of jäger(4).”

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Durning his rela[se nic reunited with old highschol friend lauren and they meet there new drug dealer gack, who nic becoems very close with

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Lauren and nic spend a weekend at laurens family how where they increasening abuse drugs.

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Nic as a resort to acquire funds started working deals with gack. This was able to help him and lauren both fuel there addiction.

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While hanging out with his now girlfriend lauren. When shooting heroin Lauren ends up overdoses throwing nic into a life or death situation .

“Seeing lauren on the floor, turning blue, my reaction is strange. i don’t panic or anything. A calm sweeps through me. I remember the EMT”(68).

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Nic and lauren moved into there own apartment after laurens peretns arived back home. Lauren once again overdosed but this time much worse.

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Lauren moves back in with here father and leaves nic on his own. he lives on the street with gack constantly follewed by extreme paranoia.

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Nic made a deal wit hlaurens father to let him hinto his home for a couple monthes. In this stay he is able to detox.

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Lauren becomes to have a mad influence on nic causeing him to move out with his sponser. Who helps him start up his life with many things like and apartments, and a job.

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Nic meets a nice girl who shares a similary backround. they connect and begin dating

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Nic moves in with his girlfrend, and makes the steps needed to fix his broken relationship with his parents.

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Nic now is a sponser to many people that are going through what he went through

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https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/1500//RPF-Drg2014.pdf

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https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

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Frequently Asked Questions - What is SAMHSA’s National Helpline?

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https://recoverycentersofamerica.com/blogs/living-recovery-true-stories-of-addiction-recovery/

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Living Recovery: True Stories of Addiction Recovery - Recovery Centers of America

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A Look into the Lives of Those Who Sought Drug Abuse Treatment Behind substance use disorder is people - people with real stories of struggle and triumph. Drug and alcohol addiction stories are usually shadowed by short, faceless segments on the news. But there's a deeper, human element in each story that is too often...

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https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/effects-of-drug-abuse

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Substance use disorder can lead to short- and long-term negative health effects. These can be physical and mental, ranging from moderate to severe. They will depend on the substance a person had been using.

Generally, drug misuse or SUD refers to the use of psychoactive drugs, which are substances that affect the brain. The effects on the body on the type of substance a person uses and their health history.

Examples of common psychoactive drugs include:

This article discusses the physical and mental effects of substance use disorder.

Psychoactive drugs are chemical compounds that affect the mind and body.

Taking different drugs may cause:

changes in coordination

blood pressure and heart rate changes

feelings of being more awake or sleepy

improved sociability

pain relief

changes in the appearance of a person's body

When chronic substance use occurs over a long period, these short-term physical effects may cause long-term changes to a person's brain and body.

The specific physical effects of substance use may vary among individuals and depend on the substance, dosage, delivery method, and length of use.

Substance use can sometimes lead to serious health consequences, overdose and death.

Short-term physical effects

Using any drug can cause short-term physical effects. The following are examples of common drugs, their short-term physical effects, and potential health risks due to SUD.

methamphetamines

increased wakefulness and physical activity

decreased appetite

increased breathing

increased or irregular heart rate

increased blood pressure

increased temperature

cocaine

narrowed blood vessels

enlarged pupils

increased body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure

headache

abdominal pain and nausea

erratic and violent behavior

heart attack

stroke

coma

benzodiazepines

slurred speech

dizziness

problems with movement

slowed breathing

lowered blood pressure

heroin and other opioids

dry mouth

itching

nausea

vomiting

slowed breathing and heart rate

tobacco and nicotine

increased blood pressure

increased breathing

increased heart rate

tobacco or nicotine:

greatly increased risk of cancer - lung cancer due to smoking or oral cancer due to chewing

chronic bronchitis

emphysema

heart disease

leukemia

cataracts

pneumonia

Long-term physical effects

Using substances for an extended time may have long-term health consequences. These lasting effects depend on multiple factors, including the substance, the amount, and how long a person has used it.

Examples of commonly used drugs and potential long-term physical effects of SUD include:

alcohol:

stroke

liver disease and inflammation (alcoholic liver disease)

pancreatitis

digestive problems

cancer of breast, mouth, throat, esophagus, voice box, liver, colon, and rectum

immune system

alcohol use disorder or alcohol dependence

methamphetamines:

severe dental problems

weight loss

intense itching leading to skin sores

risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other diseases from shared needles

cocaine and heroin - when a person snorts them, these drugs may cause:

loss of sense of smell

nosebleeds

nasal damage and trouble swallowing

other effects include:

infection and death of bowel tissue from decreased blood flow

inadequate nutrition and weight loss

collapsed veins

abscesses

infection of the lining and valves of the heart

constipation and stomach cramps

liver or kidney disease

pneumonia

fatal overdose

tobacco or nicotine:

greatly increased risk of cancer - lung cancer due to smoking or oral cancer due to chewing

chronic bronchitis

emphysema

heart disease

leukemia

cataracts

pneumonia

Long-term SUD a person's memory, behavior, learning, consciousness, and concentration.

Substances, such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids, are psychoactive drugs that may change an individual's brain function and structure after chronic use. This t in cognitive and behavioral changes and deficits that may remain even after someone stops using.

The exact mental or cognitive effects of SUD may vary depending on the type of drug and the duration of use.

SUD may also exacerbate symptoms of other mental disorders, and early drug use is a strong risk factor for the later development of substance use disorders. It may also be a risk factor for developing other mental illnesses.

For example, frequent cannabis use in adolescents can increase the risk of psychosis in adulthood in individuals who carry a particular gene variant.

Short-term mental effects

Examples of common drugs and their short-term mental effects include:

alcohol:

feelings of euphoria

reduced anxiety

easing of social interactions

irritability and anxiety upon withdrawal

cannabis:

enhanced sensory perception

feelings of euphoria and relaxation

anxiety

irritability upon withdrawal

benzodiazepines:

drowsiness

concentration issues

dizziness

reduced anxiety

problems with memory

heroin:

feelings of euphoria

restlessness upon withdrawal

prescription opioids:

pain relief

drowsiness

feelings of euphoria

methamphetamine:

increased wakefulness

anxiety upon withdrawal

Long-term mental effects

Examples of common drugs and mental effects associated with long-term SUD include:

alcohol:

depression

anxiety

learning and memory problems

social problems

prescription opioids:
increased risk of overdose

methamphetamines:

anxiety

confusion

insomnia

mood problems

violent behavior

paranoia

hallucinations

delusions

heroin:

tobacco and nicotine:

in teens, they can affect the development of brain circuits that control attention and learning

irritability, attention and sleep problems, and depression upon withdrawal

cannabis:

mental health problems

irritability, trouble sleeping, anxiety upon withdrawal

To get a diagnosis of SUD, a person has to qualify for 11 criteria that the DSM-5 outlines.

These include:

using more of a substance than a person intends or using it for longer than they mean to

trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to

experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance

needing more of the substance to get the desired effects (tolerance)

developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

spending more time getting and using drugs and recovering from substance misuse

continuing to use even when it causes relationship problems

giving up important or desirable social and recreational activities due to substance use

using substances in potentially harmful settings that put a person in danger

continuing to use despite the substance causing problems to physical and mental health

SUD prevalence

Government data shows that SUD tends to be more common among Black people than Hispanics, Asians, and people who are white. SUD is more common in males among people who are white, Black or African Americans, American Indians or Alaska Natives, and those who identify as two or more races.

However, it is difficult to determine the accuracy of data on racial disparities. In the United States, historically, the "war on drugs" has meant that Black Americans are more likely to be incarcerated for drug offenses even though they are not necessarily more likely to use illegal drugs. This imbalance may impact prevalence data.

In addition, SUD from illegal opioids is a large public health problem in the U.S. that overdose and death. In some cases, SUD can result from prescription opioids, but the bulk of the crisis stems from illegal or "street" drugs.

More than 760,000 people have died since 1999 from opioid overdoses. In 2018, two out of three overdoses had links to opioid use.

Finding the right treatment program may feel overwhelming. Here are a few things a person can consider when seeking treatment for SUD.

Consider whether inpatient or outpatient services would be most suitable.

Find local treatment centers using the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's treatment finder tool.

Know that state-run treatment centers and programs may be free of charge.

Look for programs that use evidence-based treatment strategies.

SUD is a complex but treatable disease that affects a person's cognitive function and behavior. No single treatment is right for everyone.

However, effective treatment for SUD should address all of a person's mental and physical health needs.

Treatment aims to help individuals develop a healthier relationship with drugs, helping them live productive lives in relationships with their family, work, and society.

Treatment may involve some of the following components:

Medications: Can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and prevent the return to unsafe use.

Behavioral counseling: Helps individuals modify their attitudes and behaviors related to substance use, increase healthy life skills, develop problem-solving skills, and stick to treatment plans.

Group therapy: Gives people the chance to acknowledge, share, and work through the psychological aspects of recovery with a group of peers under professional guidance.

Additional support: May include vocational training and other resources that address problems associated with SUD, such as mental health conditions, unemployment, and medical conditions.

Here are some common questions and answers regarding SUDs.

How do I know if I or someone I know is misusing drugs?

Healthcare professionals use 11 criteria to determine if an individual has SUD. Some of them include:

using more of a substance than a person intends

using it for longer than they mean to

trying to cut down or stop using the substance but being unable to

experiencing intense cravings or urges to use the substance

needing more of the substance to get the desired effects

developing withdrawal symptoms when not using the substance

What are the risk factors for drug misuse?

Certain factors may increase an individual's risk for SUD. These risk factors include:

family history of substance use

difficulties with parental monitoring

parents substance use

family rejection of sexual orientation or gender identity

association with substance-using peers

lack of school connectedness

academic achievement difficulties

childhood sexual abuse

mental health issues

SUD can affect several aspects of a person's physical and psychological health.

Certain substances may lead to drowsiness and slow breathing, while others may cause insomnia, paranoia, or hallucinations. Chronic substance use has links to cardiovascular, kidney, and liver disease.

In addition to physical and mental effects, substance use can adversely affect a person's relationships, home and work life, and mental health.

Care providers should tailor treatment to a person's needs. Community-based organizations and state-funded treatment programs usually involve a combination of behavioral therapy, group therapy, and medication.

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Physical and mental effects of drug abuse - Medical News Today

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The short-term and long-term effects of drug misuse depend on the drug that a person uses and their overall health. Learn about the possible effects here.

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https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/loving-an-addict

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Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders

Symptoms of a substance use disorder include: ¹

Using more of a substance than was originally intended.

Trying to stop using or cut back on using substances, but not being able to do so.

Continuing to use a substance, despite being aware that the substance causes a physical or emotional problem to get worse.

Experiencing cravings to use a substance.

There is interpersonal conflict due to the person's use of a substance.

The person's use of a substance results in them not fulfilling their responsibilities at work, school, or home.

The person uses substances in high-risk situations, such as driving or swimming.

The person spends a lot of time seeking out substances and using them.

They will give up things that were once important to them, such as hobbies, in favor of using substances.

The person develops tolerance to a substance, which means that they need more and more of a substance to keep getting the same effects from it.

If the person stops using certain substances, they will experience physical symptoms of withdrawal.

Codependency in Relationships

If your loved one displays the symptoms of a substance use disorder, your relationship is likely affected by their substance misuse in multiple ways, including emotionally, physically, and financially. You may even find yourself interacting with them in a manner that is called codependency.

Codependency is a pattern of interactions where you try to help the person manage their struggles with addiction, but in doing so, you also enable the person to keep using. An example of a codependent action includes attempting to rescue the person you love from the consequences of their substance misuse. ²

Codependency may be further defined as over-functioning for another person while under-functioning in your own life and not caring for your own well-being as a result of these behaviors and trying to control the other person's substance use. 2,3 If you suffer from codependency, you may tend to neglect your own self-care and instead focus on the needs of your loved one, who may be a spouse, child, sibling, or any person with whom you have a close relationship. ³ Codependent behaviors can include: making excuses for your loved one to other people to protect them from the consequences of their substance misuse, paying for damages to property they may have incurred under the influence, and fulfilling household or other responsibilities for them. ²

Many people find themselves in a codependent relationship. Yet, to an outsider, it may appear confusing as to why someone would stay in a relationship with a person who struggles with addiction. However, codependency is nuanced, and every couple needs to address their struggles with codependency and substance use disorders in their own way.

Ending Codependency with Someone Who is Addicted

If you are in a relationship with someone who struggles with addiction and find yourself covering up for them, making excuses, and trying to control their use, it can take a toll on you emotionally. Codependency does come from a place of love and a desire to protect, care for, and help your loved one. However, it is important to understand that you may think you are doing a person a favor by covering up for them and helping them to avoid the negative consequences of their substance use, but you are actually reinforcing their substance use. If you want to treat your codependency, there are things you can try, even though these may be difficult for you to do:

Let your loved one face the consequences of their actions, no matter how hard this may be.

Let them handle the things that they are responsible for.

Do not feel guilty for your loved one's substance use, as this is their problem to solve.

Tell them that you are concerned and that their substance use is a serious problem.

Suggest that your loved one gets treatment.

Make a commitment to take care of yourself first.

How Can I Find Help for Dealing with an Addict?

If you are seeking help for dealing with your loved one, there are support groups that may be helpful to you, including:

Al-Anon, a support group for people who love someone with a substance use issue.

Codependents Anonymous, a support group for those who want to break free of codependent behaviors.

Go to 1-on-1 cognitive behavioral therapy, or another type of therapy that is right for you. This will help you deal with being a codependent person who loves someone struggling with a substance use disorder.

How to Leave or Let Go of Someone with a SUD

Getting the courage to leave someone with a substance use disorder is never easy, and it requires changing behaviors that you have engaged in for a long time. Before leaving someone struggling with addiction, you can try to get them to seek the help they need. Sometimes, stating your concerns and asking for them to get help can motivate a loved one to go to treatment. Other times, you may need to stage an intervention, and bring together other people to let your partner know that they are also concerned and want the person to get help. ⁴ When considering leaving your partner, you need to consider how much the situation is harming you, whether your partner may be abusive in any way, and how this person's substance abuse is impacting other important people in your life, such as your children.

Although we cannot tell you the perfect time or way to leave a spouse suffering from a substance use disorder, speaking with a trained mental health professional, such as a therapist, might offer you more insight.

What If We Both Have an Addiction?

In some cases, you and your loved one may both struggle with codependency, but also have your own issues with substance use. You may be aware of the need for getting your own treatment for a substance use disorder. There are some couples who go to treatment together, and it is possible to find rehab centers that will admit both of you at the same time to get addiction help.
Find treatment for couples near me
Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Loved Ones with Substance Use Disorders

How to Help a Loved One With an Addiction

The best ways to help a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol may seem counterintuitive, especially for people who struggle with codependent relationships. Some of these methods may seem harsh, but they come from a loving approach with the ultimate goal to help the person overcome their addiction and to help all parties heal. Basic steps are outlined below.

Remember that addiction is not a choice or a moral failing; it is a disease of the brain

Addiction is ultimately a condition that the individual must learn to manage; no one can take the fight on for the addict.

Set boundaries and stand by them.

Encourage the individual to seek help; this may include finding treatment resources for them.

Find a therapist who specializes in addiction counseling and get help. Loved ones of addicts need support too.

Set an example for healthy living by giving up recreational drug and alcohol use.

Be supportive, but do not cover for problems created by substance abuse. The person struggling needs to deal with the consequences of their addiction.

Be optimistic. A person struggling with drug or alcohol abuse will likely eventually seek help due to ongoing encouragement to do so. If they relapse, it is not a sign of failure; relapse is often part of the overall recovery process.

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Loving Someone with an Addiction: What You Can Do to Help

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If your loved one has a drug and alcohol addiction, you should encourage them to seek help. Learn how to help someone with a substance use disorder.